"A Chruitheir!" uttered Inspector Grant under his breath.
"There's really nothing to tell," said Sydney. "We had finished playing that particular hand at my table, and I seized the opportunity to go down to the dining-room, that's all. I didn't see anyone, except the butler, if that's what you want to know."
"Didn't see anyone, sir? I understand that you had some conversation with Mrs. Haddington, at the top of the stairs."
"Oh, that! I thought you meant, did I see Dan, or anyone else, who might have killed him. Yes, I believe I did exchange a word or two with Mrs. Haddington, but I don't remember what was said. Quite unimportant, in any case."
"Was anyone else on the landing, or the stairs, when you came out of the drawing-room, sir?"
"I really don't remember. I don't think so."
"What was Mrs. Haddington doing on the landing?" "Good God, how should I know? She was going up to the second floor - in fact, she started to go up when I went down."
"Miss Birtley, I take it, had gone down before you followed her?"
"Yes - that is, I suppose she must have, because, to tell you the truth, I don't recall seeing her. I daresay she may have been there: I wouldn't notice. And, of course, since it all happened mere trivialities have passed from my mind."
"Did you hear the telephone-bell ringing, sir?"